For the cover shoot, the 44-year-old "Bossypants" author rocks an oversize Max Mara camel coat over a sexy black lace Josie Natori slip, proving that she can rock lingerie like a boss.

In the issue, the former "30 Rock" star talks about what makes her so driven, and about her heir apparent—Lena Dunham.

"Having been an obedient and nerdy kid, I’m very driven to receive praise," she tells Elle. "If I were a smarter person, I’d be driven to receive money. I’m a dope—all I want is, 'That was real good. Looks like you guys worked real hard on that.' It’s always parent-teacher conference day in my mind."

As for Dunham, Tina reveals what she thinks is so different about their style of comedies.

"There’s a generational difference in our comedy," she says. "Her generation feels that to be nude and to be sexual on-screen is empowered, and we’re on the end of a generation that’s like, 'You’re not gonna trick me into doing this!' But they say, 'We’re not being cute, we’re incorporating our genuine sexuality.' Which is an improvement. It’s great."

Elle's other cover stars include Jennifer Garner, who looks gorgeous in a menswear outfit; and Zoe Saldana, who hides her baby bump under a fabulous feathered Lanvin dress.